NORFOLK, Va. — For the previous two years, the numbers had gone down.
Now, the new Department of Veterans Affairs' National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report published Thursday shows a disturbing reversal.
The report showed that 6,392 veterans died by suicide in 2021.
That's 114 more cases than in 2020.
The analysis pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a possible factor in the elevated number of suicides that year.
The document went on to point out that firearms were the method used in 72% of the veterans' deaths by suicide.
American Legion Chief Marketing Officer Dean Kessel oversees the "Be the One initiative" focused on ending veteran suicide.
He said that simply telling a veteran, "Thank you for your service," isn't enough.
"Really, the number one issue facing the veteran getting help really is the stigma and asking for help. So, our goal is to de-stigmatize that process," he said. "One is one too many for us, and that's really how we view it. Obviously we're disappointed in the number."
In response to the report, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) called the new data "troubling."
Committee member and Navy veteran Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) gave a statement to 13News Now, saying: "We must continue to erase the stigmas associated with asking for help and keep working to ensure our military members receive the care and support they need to live healthy and productive lives."
If you are a veteran in a mental health crisis and are thinking about self-harm, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.